DENVER - Just one day after former Northwest pitcher Dalton Fowler was taken in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, another Ranger had his name called on Tuesday afternoon.

With the 382nd pick, the Colorado Rockies selected Northwest alumnus and current UT Martin outfielder Caleb Hobson in the 13th round of the draft, marking the first time multiple Rangers have been taken in the MLB Draft since 2019.

"I am so proud for Caleb and his family," Northwest coach Mark Carson said. "He is one of the hardest workers and most talented players we have had here in my 26 years. I can't wait to watch him and his growth as a professional baseball player."

Tasked with filling the shoes of veteran centerfielder Brayland Skinner, Hobson transitioned nicely into the starting role during his 2021 freshman campaign, finishing with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and 79 putouts. At the plate, the Pontotoc native emerged as the Rangers' best hitter, batting .344 with seven doubles, three home runs and 19 RBIs, along with a .475 slugging percentage. 

On the basepaths, Hobson stole a team-high 17 bases on 21 attempts and earned Honorable Mention All-MACCC recognition, helping Northwest to a 24-18 overall record and the NJCAA Region 23 Play-In series.

As a sophomore, Hobson raised his batting average to .355 with seven doubles, four triples, three homers and 15 RBIs, while also posting another perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 64 putouts. He earned First Team All-MACCC accolades and concluded his Northwest career ranking third in the program record books for stolen bases (33), fifth in triples (4) and ninth for most runs scored in a season (55).

In his lone season with UT Martin, Hobson started in every game and posted another perfect fielding percentage, tallying 186 putouts in 187 total chances. At the plate, he batted .318 with nine doubles, six triples, six home runs and 38 RBIs. Hobson also swiped 36 stolen bases in 41 attempts, setting the new program record for most steals in a single-season.

Hobson is the first Northwest outfielder to be drafted since Jordan Barnes in 2013 (15th round; New York Yankees). Additionally, he is the first Ranger to be drafted by the Rockies' organization and the first Northwest alumnus to play in the Colorado farm system since free agent LeeMarcus Boyd (Southern Miss) in 2018.